MS3 - LSD, a bit cheaper, has a strong existing aftermarket, smiles like a dumbass
ST - Much nicer interior, better tech package, Recaros, direct injection, makes the same power but with much better economy numbers. From what I understand it's a better chassis, as well (they no longer share a platform).

Nice, congrats! You'll have to share your thoughts after you've had it for a bit. Color?

 

Would be interesting to know but I'll never be the one to find out. Austin is an E85 desert.

 

Nice review. Thank you for sharing.

We're waiting for ours to come in.

 

It's exciting to know that so many well-known shops are tackling the platform right out of the gate. Hoping to see big things

 

Damn......

I was looking at a Focus ST as a new DD but if you guys start making parts for it; it'd be nearly impossible to keep it stock .

 

I saw one of these in person at the ford dealer yesterday, it was yellow and looked real nice

 

Ours came in last Tuesday.

Took it to the track Wednesday night. Best pass was a 14.72 @ 97.34mph.

Here are just a few shots I snapped Thursday afternoon.

 

Every time I've ssen a 1/4 mile time for the car the first thing I think is "damn that needs an LSD NOW"

 

Drove one when I was buying my 2013 GT at the dealer. Honestly I liked my 2008 MS3 much more but the ST will probably have a much better aftermarket then the mazda.

 

And the Recaro seats were pretty sweet.

 

I expect that the aftermarket will start strong but die off somewhat quickly if they end up announcing the RS for the US market in a couple years.

 

I went to my local Ford dealership to look at one of these. They had a black ST2 with a sunroof in their showroom that already had 250 miles on it.

Overall I liked the car a lot even though I didnt get to drive it. The only problem with this one was the $7500 market adjustment tacked on to the sticker price. I told the salesman he was nuts if he thinks I'm going to pay STi/Evo money for a fwd focus. They seemed pretty proud of all their show room cars though, the Boss had a $20,000 market adjustment added to it. The Shelby didnt even have a sticker on the car so I didnt bother to ask.

Ill probably end up picking an ST3 up in the spring for a DD to replace my 20 year old swapped civic. Most likely from a different dealership if this one is still playing games.

 

It's a brand new model, that mark-up will be gone in no time. Plus, there are plenty of other ways to buy a car from Ford and avoid all that BS, such as getting X-plan pricing or buying through a club like Costco.

 

Agree. The one I drove had the same. Bleh.

I'm not certain yet, but it's looking like I'm in the same boat as you. I'm hoping for a Sterling Metallic Grey color and customizable options, specifically HIDs.

 

My wife gave me the go ahead to buy one this year but I am going to wait for the 2014 model to see if a lsd is added or if a RS is announced. I do love the car though in its current form and will happily pick up a 2014 even if no changes are made.

My Dad was at the Ford dealership today because he is buying a 2013 Fusion Hybrid. 47/47 MPG!! The dealer claims that a Focus hybrid is in the works that gets 60 mpg. I know this is coming from a dealer and all but a 60 mpg Focus would definitely shake up the hybrid market.